ach class is limited to twelve students and each student works every week. There are generally three main areas of study: Scene Study (incorporating the trigger approach), stretch work, and audition skills. The classes also engage the student in every area of the life and career of the actor.
SCENE STUDY - "THE TRIGGER APPROACH"
The trigger approach is a technique originally developed by Richard Seyd as a way of breaking down text, thought by thought, to enable the actor to live more authentically and spontaneously in the moment during performance. All actors are told that "being in the moment" is important, but no one teaches the actor how to be in the moment effortlessly. The trigger approach is designed to give the actor a working methodology for achieving that performance state.
STRETCH WORK
Stretch work focuses on expanding your range as an actor. The actor and the teacher first agree on what areas of their work the student is weak. All actors have natural strengths and weaknesses. Through very highly structured improvisational work the teacher focuses the actor on his or her own problem areas. Through this work, over time, the weaknesses themselves become strengths, enabling the actor to approach their work with more confidence and to become more fully rounded as performers. It is a profoundly effective way to continue growing as an actor.
AUDITION SKILLS
Actors need a specific and repeatable technique for reading from scripts in high pressure audition situations. We also work in class on finding appropriate monlogue material, as well as help with editing and getting pieces up on their feet. Underlying all this is helping actors learn to get themselves in to a peak state so they can consistently show up with their best work. As all athletes, dancers, tightrope walkers and high level performers know, the key is to learn to manage nerves rather than fight them. In the words of Fritz Perls, "Anxiety is just excitement without breath."
When working on audition skills, the classes focus on cold readings, finding and preparing monologues that show your full range, and developing a marketing strategy for yourself as an actor, including dealing with casting directors, agents, photos, resumes, etc.
ACTING FOR SINGERS
This unique class explores how to integrate advanced acting technique, including character work, being in the moment, and making strong choices, into your work as a singer. It is appropriate for experienced singers who want to take their work to the next level. An expert accompanist / co-teacher is present at every class and all styles of music are explored, including musical theatre, opera, jazz, and cabaret. Class size is limited to 10.
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A faculty member for eight years with the SF Conservatory of Music and BASOTI (Bay Area Summer Opera Training Institute), Mr. Weinapple currently heads the SF branch of Seydways Acting Studios. All classes are held at Seydways Studios in downtown San Francisco, 414 Mason Street (between Post and Geary), 4th Floor, Suite 406. Admission is by interview only. For more information or if you would like to schedule an interview, please call 510-234-7575 or e-mail [email protected]. |